Birthday Party

Birthday Party
Guide
Special Pullout Supplement
Northeast PA Family • Winter 2010/11
17
It’s a
Piece of Cake!
Tips and Tricks for Planning a Successful Birthday Party
By Jan Udlock
Y
our child’s birthday is coming
soon. Some simple planning and
preparation will help ensure that the party
day will run smoothly. To get you started,
here are some easy ideas and tips to keep
in mind.
Kid’s Involvement
The first step in planning your child’s party
is to speak to him about what he wants
for his celebration. As parents, it’s easy to
get overly excited or run off on a tangent
rather than asking your child about his
wishes. Talk to him about whom he’d like
to invite and what he’d like to do.
Size
The size of the party will determine the
other parameters of the day. Be cautious
about inviting too many children.
Inviting fewer kids will make the event
more enjoyable for your child, you, and
his guests.
Another point to consider is whether
the children you invite have siblings that
may want to attend the party. If you are
concerned about extra children, you may
want to consider adding a line on the
invitation to make it clear that only your
child’s friend is invited.
Three weeks ahead of the party send out
e-vites or invitations by snail mail. Be
sure to include an RSVP date. It’s also a
good idea to include a start time and an
end time.
along with the cake. Remember to check
with the children’s parents to determine if
any of them have nut or wheat allergies.
Cake and Ice Cream
Decide whether to make and decorate the
cake on your own or buy it at a bakery or a
discount warehouse store. Three, four and
five-year-olds are aware that their neighbor
got a piece of cake with a flower on it – and
they didn’t! To avoid fights, serve each child
a cupcake rather than a piece of cake or
make or order a cake without flowers.
One party activity is to bake cupcakes or
sugar cookies ahead of time, and have the
kids decorate them.
To save time on party day, place cupcake
paper liners on a cookie sheet, scoop ice
cream into each liner, and freeze the night
before. When cake is served, just pull out
the cookie tray from the freezer.
Games and Activities
One of the most important areas when it
comes to planning a child’s party is selecting
games and activities. Choose age-appropriate
games, and be sure to do a walk-through
of the game prior to party day to be sure it
will work in the area in which you plan on
playing the game.
Cover tables with either butcher paper or a
clear vinyl tablecloth if you have any messy
activities. The kids can draw on the paper
too while they are waiting to be served.
Find Help
Themes do not have to be complex.
Parents can check out birthday party
websites to explore different themes if the
child is not sure what he wants.
Elicit help from a mom that can either
come early to help you put the finishing
touches on your party or stay late to help
you clean up – or both! Assign her the task
of taking photographs. She can also help
record the gifts your child receives and who
they are from.
Food
Goodie Bag Or Not?
Fabulous candies and cute cookies adorn
the pages of parenting magazines, so it’s
easy to go overboard with party food.
Choose easy but healthy snacks to go
Dollar stores are a treasure trove
for tiny (and inexpensive) gifts
like pencils, erasers, a bottle
of bubbles etc. Yet, not every
To Theme Or Not to
Theme?
B2
Northeast PA Family • Birthday Party Guide 2011
birthday party sends home goodie bags.
A craft activity such as a picture frame or
painted flowerpot can go home with the
artist.
Last Minute Preparation
Hints
The day before the party, grab a shoebox
and put your camera, batteries, (film, if
necessary), the cake knife, matches, a
permanent marker, pen and paper, and
scotch tape in it.
Put children’s names on cups with a
permanent marker. This will save on paper
supplies.
Have a list of all the attendees so the helper
mom can write down the name of the gift
when your child opens it up.
Be prepared for your child or another
child to become overwhelmed with all the
activity and need some quiet time. If you
see a child that seems to be withdrawing,
pull them aside and check in with them.
Have a quiet area for anyone who needs it.
Planning and thinking through the
different components of a birthday party
can help you and your child enjoy their day.
Jan Udlock is a mom of 5 and freelance writer.
She loves both jobs – most of the time.
3-Week Birthday
Party Planning
Countdown
Personalize
at Humphreys’
Aa
Three Weeks Before
• Pick theme, games and activities, food,
cake
• Send out invitations
Two Weeks Before
• Buy nonperishable items: balloons,
decorations, paper goods, drinks, prizes
• Find a helper mom who can help at the
party
• Purchase your child’s gift
• Order cake
One Week Before
• Clean house
Coming Soon!
Cc
• Evaluate each room where the kids will
play to see what needs to be picked
up and put away (breakable trinkets,
personal papers, electronic games, etc.)
• Contact any guests who haven’t RSVP’d
• Shop for perishable items: ice cream,
candy
• Check on ice supply
• Get out any dishes (punch bowls or
candy dishes)
Bb
Be sure to look for
Humphrey's on the web.
Back Mountain Shopping Center
Shavertown, PA 674-3377
Now offering Birthday Parties!
FOUR UNIQUE PACKAGES:
Day Before
Gym Games
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Bounce Houses
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Climbing Wall and Swing
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Indoor and outdoor
Paintball
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• Make or buy cake; prepare ice cream
“scoops”
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• Clean bathrooms, wipe down counters
• Cover table with butcher paper
• Collect camera, batteries, permanent
marker, paper and pen, cake knife,
lighter, and candles
• Write attendees names on cups and
goodie bags
Party Day
• Lock up pets (The noise may frighten
them)
• Blow up balloons
• Assign your helper mom any chore that
needs to be done
• Take a deep breath and put a smile on
your face
Enjoy your
child’s party!
Rocking Chairs
Rocking Horses
Flip Stools
Frames
Piggy Banks
Call
Call333-4098
333-4098
or visit us at www.camporchardhill.com
CHACKO’S
Family Bowling Center
Book a child’s bowling party &
present this ad the day of the
party to receive the
Birthday
Child FREE!!!
208-BOWL
195 N. Wilkes-Barre Blvd.,
Wilkes-Barre, PA
Party must have at least 10 guests for coupon
to be valid. Party must be hosted no later than
November 30, 2011. One per party per visit.
Not valid with any other coupons or offers. Chacko’s
reserves complete interpretation of this offer.
www.chackosfamilybowlingcenter.com
Northeast PA Family • Birthday Party Guide 2011
B3
Kids love birthdays! NEPA Family and our supporting advertisers want to make your child’s birthday the
best day ever. Pull out and save this special NEPA Family Birthday Guide for easy party planning all year long!
Interested in advertising in next year’s Birthday Party Guide or know of a great birthday party resource
we’ve missed? Contact us at nepafamily.com or 714-2828.
Arts & Crafts
AC Moore
Wilkes-Barre, Dickson City acmoore.com
Arts YOUniverse
Wilkes-Barre
970-2787
Dancing, painting, theater, origamy, pottery
Just Paint It
Clarks Summit
587-3511
Ceramics painting
Michaels Arts & Crafts
Wilkes-Barre, Dickson City micheals.com
819-1145, 383-7930 Craft project
The Art School of NEPA
Peckville
artschoolnepa.com
489-4929
The Learning Tree
Hazleton
[email protected] 455-4334
artsyouniverse.com
820-0570, 961-5590 Craft project
Art projects
Themed arts and crafts ages 3-8
Beauty & Tea Parties
Empire Beauty School
Moosic
Olde House Café
Dallas
Sapphire Salon & Spa
Pittston
343-4730
Mini updos and manicures
674-0336
Birthday, tea and theme activities
thesapphiresalon.com
602-7700
Hair, make-up and nails
babysignsprogram.com
331-2005
Story, songs and learn simple sign language
Entertainment & Rental
BeeBo the Signing Bear
Blinky the Clown
Scranton
clownbirthdayparties.com
383-1821
Clown, balloons, petting zoo, face painting
Damian the Magician
Scranton
damianthemagician.com
344-1967
Magic show
Fun Faces
funfacesonline.com
262-3847
Face painting and temporary tattoos
JoJo the Clown
jojotheclown.com
282-7667
Face painting and balloon sculptures
Just Plain Crazy
justplaincrazyfaceart.com
735-9004
Face painting , temporary tattoos, crafts
Justincredible Magic Show
Plymouth
719-1111
Magic show with animals, balloon figures
General Rental
Drums
788-7688
Moon bounce, dunktank, tents
Happy Faces
Scranton
344-6557
Face painting, tattoos, spin art, balloons
Magic of Bill Dickson
Plains
billdickson.biz
819-1751
Magic show
Moonwalk Guy
Mountain Top
moonwalkguy.com
868-0386
Moonwalk, games, dunk tank, snack machines
639-1546
Magic show, clown show, balloon animals
Shickshinny
ponypartyparadise.com
864-3807
Pony rental and petting zoo
[email protected]
587-2014
Juggler
489-2100
Cotton candy and popcorn machines
storksintheyard.com
407-0505
Personal birthday sign, candy wrappers
woodlandsstable.com
842-3742
Horse rides
Pat Ward, magician
Pony Party Paradise
Robert J. Smith, juggler
Scranton Rent-all Centers
Throop
Storks in the Yard
The Woodlands Stable & Tack
Gouldsboro
Fun Centers & Locations
B4
Adventure Zone & Roller Arena
Scranton
nepaicebox.com
983-0061
Roller skating or ninja jumps
Camp Orchard Hill
Dallas
camporchardhill.com
333-4098
Facility rental and sports games
Chuck E. Cheese
Wilkes-Barre, Dickson City chuckecheese.com
821-1120, 487-1444 Arcade games
Cinema & Drafthouse
W. Hazleton
cinemaanddrafthouse.com
455-2455
Movies
Cinemark Theater
Moosic
cinemark.com
961-5943
Movies
Costa’s Family Fun Park
Hawley
costasfamilyfunpark.com
226-8585
Minature golf, go kart or bumper boats
Crayola Factory
Easton
crayola.com
610-515-8000
Crayola Factory
Dietrich Theater
Tunkhannock
dietrichtheater.com
836-1022
Movies
Endless Mountains Nature Center
Tunkhannock
emnconline.org
836-3835
Nature themes
Northeast PA Family • Birthday Party Guide 2011
Great Wolf Lodge
Grotto Pizza
Scotrun
greatwolf.com
Harvey’s Lake, Edwardsville, Wilkes-Barre grottopizza.com
800-978-6303
Indoor water park
639-3278, 331-3278, 822-6600 Facility rental, arcade and food
Harry Houdini Museum
Scranton
houdini.org
342-5555
Magic show and game room
Lahey Family Fun Park
Clarks Summit
laheyfunpark.net
586-5699
Miniature golf, bumper boats, go carts
La Nota Zumbatomic
Luzerne
[email protected]
Red Barn Village Mini Golf
Clarks Summit
714-7934
Zumba, dance and fitness parties
586-8818
Miniature golf
Pikes Creek Raceway
Hunlock Creek
pikescreekraceway.com
477-3188
Go-cart and mini golf
RC Movies 14
Wilkes-Barre
rctheatres.com
825-4444
Movies
Regal Cinema
Hazleton
regmovies.com
450-7340
Movies
Rich’s Golf & Fun Center
Wyoming
richsgolfandfuncenter.com
693-1608
Mini golf, bumper boats, batting cages
That Bounce Place
Edwardsville
thatbounceplace.com
714-PLAY
Moon bounce
The Discovery Center
Binghamton, NY
thediscoverycenter.org
607-773-8661
Children’s musem
Timmy’s Town Center
Scranton
timmystowncenter.org
341-1511
Facility rental, catering and theme choice
Seasonal
Bear Mountain Butterfly Santuary Jim Thorpe
bearmountainbutterflies.com 325-4848
Butterfly sanctuary - May-Sept
Maylath’s Farm & Orchard
Sugarloaf
maylathfarmandorchard.com 708-1090
Fall fun activities - September-October
Miller’s Orchard
Clarks Summit
millersorchard.com
587-3399
Fall fun activities - September-October
Penguin’s Hockey
Wilkes-Barre
wbspenguins.com
208-7367
Watch hockey game - October-April
Roba’s Family Farms
Dalton
robafamilyfarms.com
563-2904
Fall fun activities - September-October
Snö Cove
Scranton
snocove.com
563-2904
Outdoor water park and zipline - Summer
Snö Mountain
Scranton
snomtn.com
800-GOT-SNOW
Snow tubing - Winter
Valley Tennis & Swim Club
Trucksville
rockrec.org
696-2769
Clubhouse rental and swimming - Summer
Whistle Pig Pumpkin Patch
Noxen
whistlepigpumpkin.com
298-0962
Fall fun activities - September-October
Sports Activities
American Dojo Karate
Scranton, Wilkes-Barre
americandojokarate.com
343-0080, 283-3995 Karate
Back Mountain Bowl
Dallas
backmountainbowl.net
675-5026
Bowl Arena
Hazleton
bowlarenatenpinlounge.com 455-6361
Bowling
Catholic Youth Center
Wilkes-Barre
wyomingvalleycyc.org
823-6121
Swimming and gym activities
Chacko’s Family Bowling Center
Wilkes-Barre
208-BOWL
Bowling, arcade and redemption center
chackosfamilybowlingcenter.com
Bowling and arcade
Danko’s Kidz Fit
Plains
825-5989
Rock climbing and fitness challenge
FARM (Fitness Art and Music)
Trucksville
creativekidsfarm.com
696-2180
Fitness, crafts and music
Fitwize Fitness Studio
Scranton
fitwize4kids.com
348-9383
Fitness and games
Greater Pittston YMCA
Pittston
greaterpittstonymca.org
655-2255
Swimming or sports activities
Greater Scranton YMCA
Dunmore
greaterscrantonymca.com
342-8115
Swimming and sports activities
Hazleton YMCA & YWCA
Hazleton
hazletonymcaywca.org
455-2046
Swimming, gym or rock climbing
Huntzinger’s Karate
Wilkes-Barre
huntzingerkarate.com
826-3020
Karate
Ice Rink at Coal Street
Wilkes-Barre
coalstreeticerink.com
208-9471
Ice Skating
Idle Hour Lanes
Dickson City
idlehourlanes.com
489-7526
Bowling
JCC of Wyoming Valley
Wilkes-Barre
jewishwilkes-barre.org
824-4646
Swim, gym, bowling, arts & crafts
JCC of Scranton
Scranton
scrantonjcc.com
346-6595
Swim, sports, bounce house or theme
Keystone Extreme All Stars
Olyphant
keystoneextremeallstars.com 383-1910
Cheerleading, tumbling and dance
Kingston Recreation Center
Kingston
kingstonpa.org
Gym activities and games
Modern Lanes
Exeter
287-1106
modernlanesbowling.com
693-0353
Bowling
Mountain Valley Family Martial Arts Hazleton
hazletonkarate.com
454-1234
Karate
mygym.com
558-1311
Gym activities, exercise, song and dance
826-7090
Gymnastics and obstacle course
My Gym Children’s Fitness Center
Scranton
Northeast Gymnastics
Hanover Twp
Northeast Sports & Fitness
Mountain Top
nesfonline.com
474-6565
Gymnastics and games
Revolution Ice Centre
Pittston
skatenepa.com
883-1100
Ice Skating
Northeast PA Family • Birthday Party Guide 2011
B5
Sports Activities - continued
Riverfront Sports
Scranton
riverfrontsports.com
347-0797
Choice of sports games
Rock Recreation Center
Trucksville
rockrec.org
696-2769
Basketball and sports games
Rollaway Skating Rink
Dallas
675-4844
Roller skating
Shooting Starz Gymnastics
Wilkes-Barre
shootingstarzgym.com
822-1212
Gymnastics
Skateaway
Wilkes-Barre
skateaway.biz
829-1236
Roller skating
South Side Bowl
Scranton
southsidebowl.com
961-5213
Bowling
Stanton Lanes
Wilkes-Barre
yourbowlingplace.com
824-4661
Bowling
Take the Stage
Trucksville
takethestagepac.com
690-5439
United Sports Academy
Dunmore
unitedsportsacademygym.com 96-FLIPS
Gymnastics, obstacle course and games
Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA
Wilkes-Barre
wbymca.org
Swimming or sports activities
823-2191
Dance or choice of theme
Wilkes-Barre Rocks
Wilkes-Barre
wbcg.net
824-7633
Rock wall climbing
Wyoming Valley Sports Training
Wilkes-Barre
wvst.net
208-2280
Indoor multi-sport facility
905-2419
Specialty and gluten free ice cream cakes
714-7870
Birthday and special event cakes
Specialty Cakes
Sprinkles & Shakes Ice Cream
Pittston
Truly Scrumptious
Kingston
eatcakefirst.com
Rock Rec. Private Parties
2 hour party rentals
Activity Staffing Provided
Activities Include: basketball, soccer, kickball, dodgeball
Exclusive use of our gymnasium and lounge area
Children and Teen parties
Valley Tennis & Swim Club Parties
7 days a week, flexible times!
Have Your Birthday Party
at the
Dietrich Theater!
We do the work:
You have the fun!
Call 570-996-1512
for details.
www.dietrichtheater.com
Can accommodate Graduation parties, casual wedding
receptions, birthday parties, family reunions, etc.
Clubhouse can hold 80+
Volleyball, horse shoes, swimming, tennis available!
Private balcony with beautiful view!
BIRTHDAY PARTIES!
www.rockrec.org
Rock Rec
Our professional energetic staff
will provide you with 2 fun filled hours of
Gymnastics, games, music and more!
We do all the set up and clean up. Please call for
pricing and more detailed information!
340 Carverton Rd
Trucksville PA 18708
(570) 96-FLIPS or (570)963-5477
1035 Reeves St., Dunmore PA 18512
Valley Tennis Contact for par
party
ty booking:
& Swim Club
211 Harris Hill Rd
Trucksville PA 18708
B6
570-696-2769
Northeast PA Family • Birthday Party Guide 2011
Just Plain
Crazy
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Party Packag
Professional Face & Body Artists
We offer
• Face Painting
• Body Painting
• Temporary/Glitter Tattoos
• Henna Mehndi
• Zardosi (Glitter Mehndi)
• Games
• Crafts
• and more...for all your
Special Occasions,
Private Parties,
Corporate and
Public Events.
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and glitters, NEVER craft or
acrylic paints!
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Weekdays:
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(570) 735-9004
www.justplaincrazyfaceart.com
NOTE: ** Must be 44” Tall to Snö Tube
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Pennsylvania’s Newest And
Largest Inflatable Park
The Valley’s best place to hold a birthday party or event.
Now registering for winter toddler day camp-call for details
OPEN BOUNCE DAILY: Su 9-9, M-Th 11-9, F 10-10, Sa 9-10
Sat. and Sun. afternoons open bounce may be restricted by multiple parties. Call
for open bounce availability for each Sat. and Sun. Arcade always open
Adult Late Night Bouncing available upon request
Discount
Family Bounce:
Toddler Bounce:
Teen Times:
Tuesday and Friday Friday and Saturday
Sun 9am-11:45am $4.95 10am-12pm $5.95
nights 8-10pm
The
Moonwalk
Guy Inc.
• Birthday Parties
• Family Picnics
• Daycare
Events
• Corporate
Events
• Indoor
Parties at
Wright
Township
Fire Dept
Follow us on
Drop the kids off while you shop
Kmart Plaza Edwardsville
www.thatbounceplace.com
•
714-PLAY (7529)
Northeast PA Family • Birthday Party Guide 2011
570•868•0386
www.moonwalkguy.com
B7
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Package includes a party at That Bounce Place,
a cake from Sprinkles & Shakes Ice Cream, face
painting by Just Plain Crazy and much more!
Visit NEPAFamily.com/giveaways-new to enter.
Make Your Child’s Birthday
Party an UDDER BLAST at
The Lands at Hillside Farms!
PARTY PACKAGES CAN INCLUDE...
s&ARM'AMESs&ACE0AINTINGs#RAFT!CTIVITIES
s'UIDED&ARM4OURSs7AGON2IDESOR3LEIGH2IDES
sANDITWOULDNTBEA(ILLSIDEPARTYWITHOUT
ENJOYINGAMake-Your-Own-Sundae Bar!
(ILLSIDE2OAD3HAVERTOWN0!
WWWTHELANDSATHILLSIDEFARMSORG
I]ZAVcYhVi=^aah^YZ;Vgbh^hVcdc"egd[^i[Vgb"WVhZYZYjXVi^dcVadg\Vc^oVi^dc#
Call (570) 696-4500.
Wyoming Valley
“ S E RV I N G
CYC
THE COMMUNITY SINCE
1948”
• 24 Hour Childcare
• Before & After School
Program
• Swim Lessons
• Birthday Parties
• Basketball Leagues
(Age 4 and up)
• Sports Clinics
(570)823-6121
36 South Washington St.,
Wilkes-Barre, Pa 18701
www.wyomingvalleycyc.org
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Rte 415
Memorial Hwy, Dallas
(570) 675-5026
ty Packages
Bowling Par
• Birthdays, Scouts, Schools, Church
groups or for any Special Occasion
• Fundraising
ht
Family Fun Nig
• Mondays 5-11
za
Sp are Ti m e P iz
• Dinners, Pizza, Hoagies, Homemade
soups, Eat In or Take out, Call ahead
for take out
www.backmountainbowl.net
OPEN BOWLING HOURS
Sun - Noon – 11
Mon - Wed 4 PM - 11PM
Thurs - Noon – 11 PM
Fri/Sat - Noon - 2 AM
B8
24
Northeast PA Family • Birthday Party Guide 2011